Benapole: Three probe committees were formed by the ministries of port, customs, and shipping to investigate the fire incident at Benapole land port in Jessore.

The port authorities said a five-member probe committee led by Benapole port Assistant Director Abdul Hannan was formed, which will submit investigation report within 10-day.

Benapole Customs authorities also formed a five-member committee headed by Additional Commissioner Firoz Uddin and asked it to submit a probe report by one week.

Moreover, another five-member body led by Shipping ministry’s Joint Secretary Shafayat Hossain was formed in this connection.

Clearing & Forwarding (C& F) Agents Association President Mofizur Rahman Sajan said the fire destroyed properties of Worthing Tk 100crore.

Earlier, on 2 October, a fire broke out at No 23 shed of Benapole land port, Bangladesh’s largest land port, at Sharsha upazila in Jessore.

Port director Nitai Chandra Sen said the blaze erupted from an electric short circuit early at about 4:00am and burned down several Indian trucks and private cars.

Later, the fire engulfed a storehouse and another nearby shed.

The fire also burned down part of Benapole Port Police Station. Meanwhile, arms, documents and equipment have been removed from the police station.

On Information, eight firefighting joint units of Indian and Benapole fire service went to the spot and brought the fire under control at about 9:30am, added the director.

A firefighter suffered burn injuries while working.

The affected importers demanded compensation for the loss. The minister of shipping Shahjahan Khan guaranteed the traders to recompense via insurance.